Archive · 11 Oct 2026
CPI Demonstrates in Tirupati, Demands Election Chief’s Resignation
The Communist Party of India held a protest in Tirupati on Saturday.
The protesters called for election chief Gyanesh Kumar to resign.
CPI speakers said the government and Election Commission were harming democratic rights, but these were their allegations.
One speaker claimed that about 13.7 crore votes were removed through a voter-list review process.
The speakers also criticized limits on opposition protests in Delhi.
They said peaceful protest is a constitutional right.
They called for paper ballots instead of electronic voting machines.
CPI leaders said protests could grow across the country if restrictions continue.
The Communist Party of India held a demonstration in Tirupati on Saturday, demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
CPI state secretariat member P. Harinath Reddy accused the BJP-led Union government of weakening democratic institutions and suppressing constitutional rights.
Reddy alleged that about 13.7 crore votes had been disenfranchised through the Special Intensive Revision process.
Speakers criticized restrictions on opposition demonstrations in Delhi and called for a return to paper ballots amid doubts about EVMs.
CPI leaders warned of intensified nationwide protests if democratic curbs continue.
- Who
- The Communist Party of India, including state, district and city leaders; Republican Party of India South India president Anjaiah also spoke.
- What
- They staged a demonstration, demanded Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and called for paper ballots.
- When
- Saturday; no date is specified.
- Where
- Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.
- Why
- The speakers alleged that democratic institutions and citizens’ constitutional rights were being weakened, and objected to restrictions on opposition demonstrations.
CPI and allied speakers
Government and Election Commission
Election process and voter rights
CPI and allied speakers
CPI speakers alleged that the Special Intensive Revision disenfranchised about 13.7 crore votes and said the Election Commission was acting in favor of the ruling dispensation.
Government and Election Commission
The article provides no response from the government or the Election Commission.
Restrictions on demonstrations
CPI and allied speakers
Speakers criticized measures affecting opposition demonstrations in Delhi and argued that peaceful protest is constitutionally guaranteed.
Government and Election Commission
The article provides no explanation or response from authorities regarding the restrictions.
Voting method
CPI and allied speakers
CPI speakers called for a return to paper ballots to address public doubts about electronic voting machines.
Government and Election Commission
The article gives no response from officials or other supporters of electronic voting machines.
- Protest organizer
- Communist Party of India
- Location
- Tirupati
- Demand
- Immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
- Vote figure cited
- About 13.7 crore votes, alleged by P. Harinath Reddy to have been disenfranchised under the Special Intensive Revision process
- Voting method called for
- Paper ballots
- Protest warning
- CPI leaders warned of intensified nationwide protests if democratic curbs persist